Denny Hamlin, the 45‑year‑old veteran of the NASCAR Cup Series, added another highlight to his résumé by capturing the recent All‑Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, marking his third consecutive victory on the 1‑mile oval.
The win, which came after Hamlin consulted a sports psychologist following a disappointing outing at Dover a dozen years earlier, underscores the impact of mental‑game work on his performance on the track.
A veteran’s preparation
Looking ahead, Hamlin is turning his focus to the upcoming Coca‑Cola 600, the 600‑mile endurance event that traditionally closes the season at Charlotte. With 34 career starts at the venue — more than the combined total of points‑leader Tyler Reddick and Chase Elliott — he enters the race as a clear favorite.
His extensive mileage on 1.5‑mile speedways, including a recent triumph at Las Vegas, has given him a deep feel for the restarts and aerodynamic nuances that will be crucial on the 1.5‑mile layout.
The race will also mark the first time in nine years that the October event returns to the oval configuration rather than the road course, a shift that Hamlin says he has been studying closely to fine‑tune his approach.
Beyond his own ambitions, Hamlin continues to share his insights with teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing, helping the organization stay competitive as younger drivers like Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs push for their own breakthroughs.
Hamlin has also confirmed that he will remain under contract through the 2027 season, a timeline that allows him to plan a farewell that he hopes will end on a high note.
The recent All‑Star format change, which introduced a new Open qualifying segment and led to multiple crashes that eliminated several top contenders, sparked debate among drivers. Hamlin was among those who advocated for reinstating the All‑Star Open, arguing that it provides a more rewarding pathway for competitors.
Meanwhile, the future of the All‑Star event at Dover Motor Speedway remains uncertain, with series officials weighing its potential return as a points‑paying race.